What Language Spoken in Mozambique | EmbassyAbuDhabi.com Mozambican Money, Services & More Languages Spoken in Mozambique The people of Mozambique speak Portuguese. The main national and official language of Mozambique is Portuguese. Portuguese is a Romance language and ranked 6th based upon number of native speakers of 210 million. We’ve created a selection of regular Portuguese tourist language phrases or words, which a visitor can use to get by in Mozambique. We strongly suggest you learn them from Portuguese basic phrases website. Top ^ Tips For Understanding Portuguese Language Conversation and more conversation in Portuguese - The key to learn Portuguese is hours and hours of conversation with people who speaks Portuguese much better than you. An hour or so of talking (with corrections and Portuguese dictionary for reference) is as good as five hours in a Portuguese educational setting and 10 hours with a Portuguese language course by yourself. Studying Portuguese language for three or four hours on a daily basis for two weeks is far more beneficial for mastering Portuguese than studying 1 hour daily for three months. It is no surprise that a great many Portuguese students taking language lessons in class and hardly ever remember it in the long term. The secret to learn the Portuguese is intensity of of study.

Begin with the One hundred most common Portuguese phrases and attempt to make sentences using them. Learn just enough Portuguese grammar so that you can do that as well as do it until you feel fairly at ease with all of them. Continue practicing these sentence in your head. The other benefit from for your dictionary is you can practice these sentences in Portuguese whilst going about your day and not conversing with anyone. Take a pocket Portuguese dictionary or an English-Portuguese dictionary app on your smartphone. Work out the Portuguese pronunciation patterns. Make use of Portuguese audio and online courses for the first 100 words and basic grammar in Portuguese language. After the first 100 phrases in Portuguese, give attention to becoming conversational. Research has revealed that the most everyday 100 words in Portuguese language count for 50% of all the spoken conversation. The most everyday 1,000 phrases account for 80% of all spoken conversation. “How do you say X?” in Portuguese is an essential sentence you can possibly learn. Study it early and then use it often. Top ^ What do I need to study Portuguese language? Portuguese language courses can be found as conventional language classes, audio tutorials and online courses.

The traditional Portuguese courses are made up of dialogue textbooks, explanation of Portuguese grammer and exercises. Normally they are offered either in CDs or MP3s. Most of these courses are designed for complete beginners or individuals with only little knowledge of the Portuguese language. One of the leading suppliers these Portuguese language courses is Linguaphone who also have courses for more than 100 languages and include all audio courses, explorer courses for individuals who would like to study the fundamentals, and in-depth courses for more serious students. The other provider of language courses is Teach Yourself and Colloquial courses and they offer a wide variety of languages. Portuguese Audio Courses is generally made of CDs or MP3s with limited printed material. All dialogues, exercises, instructions and explanations of %%are recorded and the focus of these courses is teaching you to comprehend and speak the language. Pimsleur language courses gives you genuine pronunciation in Portuguese and a manageable level of vocabulary. Computer Based Language Learning can be found on CD-ROMs and DVDs. Every one of these courses generally consist of dialogues, audio, exercises and tests in Portuguese. Teach Me! and Transparent Language present you with a wide variety of language courses on CDs and MP3s with vocabularly and grammar exercises.

Most spoken languages in Mozambique The most commonly spoken languages in Mozambique Portuguese is the official language of Mozambique Makhuwa, Tsonga, Lomwe, Sena, Shona are other languages spoken on a regular basis in Mozambique Portuguese Language | Official Language of Brazil, Angola, Portugal, Mozambique Tweet Click to view full Infographic Overview: Sometimes overlooked, Portuguese is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. It is also one of the fastest growing European languages, along with English and Spanish. With its humble origins in the tiny western European nation of Portugal, Portuguese is now spoken in communities across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. The two major dialects of Portuguese are known as European Portuguese and Brazilian Portuguese, which vary primarily in vocabulary and spelling. These are the most commonly taught variants, but because of the language’s wide dispersion, many other dialects are spoken around the world. Standard Portuguese is based in European Portuguese. As Brazil continues to emerge as a world power, the Portuguese language will continue to grow and gain influence as a world language. Other former colonies of Portugal, including Macau in China, and Angola, Mozambique, and several other African nations, continue to use Portuguese as an official language.

Portuguese is also an official language of the African Union and the European Union. Roots of the Language: Like other Romance languages, Portuguese is rooted in Latin, which was brought to the Iberian Peninsula during the Roman Empire. The region that is now Portugal (along with part of Spain), was once the Roman Province of Lusitania, which used Latin as its common language. After the collapse of the Roman Empire, language in Lusitania shared a similar fate to that of its nearest neighbor, Spain. Vulgar Latin evolved into the first version of Portuguese, sometimes known as Galician-Portuguese. Galicia, today an autonomous region of northern Spain, and Portugal had once been united. After the Moorish invasion in 711, Portuguese was influenced by Arabic when it became the official government language. Soon after Portugal broke away from the rest of the region and became the independent Kingdom of Portugal in the 12th century, King Denis declared Portuguese the official language, replacing Latin as the common language. During the Age of Exploration, Portuguese explorers led European exploration, establishing trade routes and colonies across the globe.

As a result of Portugal’s exploration, the Portuguese language spread to colonies in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Language characteristics: Portuguese is very closely related to Galician, spoken in the autonomous region in northern Spain, which shares strong historical ties to Portugal. Portuguese and Galician are mutually intelligible languages, especially the dialects of northern Portugal, as the languages diverged from one another relatively recently. Portuguese is similar to other Romance languages, with its vocabulary based in Latin and influences from Arabic. Though speakers of Portuguese are often able to understand Spanish, Portuguese pronunciation makes the language more difficult for Spanish speakers to understand. As a widely dispersed language, Portuguese has been influenced by languages along its trade and exploration routes, including Japanese, Chinese, and indigenous South American and African languages. It contains loanwords from other European languages, including French, Spanish, and English. Written form: The Portuguese language uses the standard Latin alphabet, along with accents and tildes, much like Spanish. Unlike modern Spanish, Portuguese is marked with the use of the cedilla, or hook, with the letter C (ç ), also used in French.

Portuguese spelling was not standardized in Portugal until the 16th century, and Brazil in 1938. Variations in spelling between European Portuguese and Brazilian Portuguese remain, and the language has undergone a series of spelling reforms since then, until as recently as 2009. Last Updated : April 21, 2015 Mozambique History, Language and Culture Mozambique History, Language and Culture History of Mozambique Bantu tribes moved into an area, part of which is now Mozambique, from central and western Africa during the third century. The 11th-century Shona Empire, the main ethnic group in modern Zimbabwe, covered part of Mozambique and relations between the two peoples are still very close. Mozambique attracted the attention of Arab and Indian traders in the 10th century. The first European expedition to Mozambique was led by the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama, who arrived in 1498. Thereafter, Portuguese influence gradually displaced the Arabs and Indians. The Portuguese colonialists gradually moved inland, usurping the local rulers and taking over land and mineral resources.

By the 18th century, they had developed Mozambique into a major centre for the slave trade, which continued to thrive for decades after its official banning in 1842. Mozambique continued as a Portuguese colony until 1951 when it became an overseas province. The economy expanded rapidly during the 1950s and early 1960s, attracting thousands of Portuguese settlers to the country. It was around this time that the first nationalist groups began to form. The main nationalist movement, FRELIMO, began a guerrilla war, which ended in 1974 following a military coup in Portugal. The new left-wing government in Lisbon had no wish to maintain an empire and independence negotiations began immediately. Mozambique became independent in 1975, and FRELIMO took power in a one-party state. Then a 16-year-long civil war ensued. The National Resistance Movement (RENAMO), set up by the white-run Rhodesian government and then backed by apartheid South Africa and the US, fought a guerrilla war against FRELIMO from 1976 until the a ceasefire was brokered in 1992.

Elections were held in 1994 and won by FRELIMO. The new government was confronted with hundreds of thousands of refugees, as well as large numbers of demobilised soldiers from both sides, massive social and economic dislocation, and the destruction of virtually all health and education services. Despite some setbacks, the Chissano government made steady progress in tackling these problems during the late 1990s, and in 1999 FRELIMO prevailed once again with Armando Guebuza becoming president. In the 2015 election, he was succeeded by Filipe Nyusi, also from FRELIMO. Did you know? • Apparently the name of the country arose from Musa al Big the name of an Arab who was living on Ilha de Mozabique when the Portuguese arrived. • Over 22 years, more than 170,000 landmines were cleared from Mozambique. In some places specially trained rats were used to locate the mines. The country was declared free of the deadly weapons in 2015. • Mozambique is home to five of the seven endangered species of sea turtles.

Mozambique Culture Mozambique - general country information Mozambique Destinations / Mozambique information / Mozambique general information Mozambique information Mozambique is a big country, with hundreds of islands scattered along its coast. Mozambique general information What language do they speak in Mozambique? Do I need a visa for Mozambique? How can I make a call to or from Mozambique? This page provides you with the answers to frequently ask questions most travellers have, when going on holiday to Mozambique for the first time. Time in Mozambique As most countries in south eastern Africa, Mozambique is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+2). Since Mozambique doesn't operate daylight saving time, there's no difference between summer and winter time. Currency in Mozambique Mozambique's currency is the metical (MZM). At time of writing (Aug 09), £1 = 43,848MZM, respectively US$1 = 26,600MZM – check with for current exchange rates. Most hotels and lodges in Mozambique accept US$ and usually credit cards. Mozambique's International Dialling Code The International Dialling Code for Mozambique is +258, followed by an area code.

Calling from Mozambique, you dial 00 plus the relevant country code (e.g. 001 for the United States, or 0044 for the United Kingdom). Currently (Aug 09), 3-minute calls from Mozambique to UK or US landlines with TDM Mozambique cost 45,300MZM during peak time, and 36,300 MZM off-peak (every additional minute costs 15,100MZM, or 12,100MZM). Food in Mozambique The food served in Mozambique's beach lodges is excellent, and the seafood is superb. Mozambican beer is popular, as are South African wines and beers. The local cuisine is mainly Portuguese, with Far Eastern influences. Specialities include Piri-piri chicken (chicken with spicy chilli sauce), Shellfish and Delagoa prawns with piri-piri sauce, rice with matapa (ground peanut and cassava leave sauce), and wuza (maize porridge). Health in Mozambique Malaria is endemic in Mozambique.

The islands are generally healthy, though the usual vaccines (typhoid, polio and tetanus) are sensible and yellow fever certificates may be required. Check with your GP and see the Scottish NHS site for more health info on Mozambique before you travel. HIV infection rates are high; AIDS is prevalent in Mozambique. Usually, this isn't a concern for travellers, but they should be aware of the current situation, and take the same sensible safety measures to avoid infection which are wise in most countries. We understand that blood supplies used by Mozambique's private hospitals have been carefully screened for years. Language in Mozambique Portuguese is the official language, although this is generally only spoken by the more educated amongst Mozambique's population. Beside this, more than 60 different dialects of Bantu languages can be found in Mozambique. English is generally spoken in hotels and beach lodges. Visas for Mozambique Currently (Aug 09), UK and US citizens need visas for Mozambique. They can often be obtained on arrival; the same day visa express service costs £60 per single entry (£110 for multiple entries). Please check the latest information for your trip with your closest Mozambican Embassy or High Commission before travelling.

Travellers from the UK can get more information from the High Commission of the Republic of Mozambique in London . Weather and climate in Mozambique Mozambique follows a typical southern African weather pattern, with slight differences between the north and the south of the country. See our weather and climate in Mozambique page for a detailed description. Enquire now Mozambique - Languages | Ethnologue Mozambique Feedback Barwe [bwg] Manica province. 15,000 in Mozambique (1999). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Balke, Chirue, Cibalke, Rue. Dialects: None known. Probably good comprehension of Nyungwe [nyu] or Sena [seh] . Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, N, Senga-Sena (N.44). More Information Chopi [cce] Inhambane province: south Zavala district; Gaza province: 100 km coastal strip between Inharrime and Chidunguela; Maputo province. Center is Quissico.

760,000 (2014 J. Leclerc). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Cicopi, Copi, Shichopi, Shicopi, Tschopi, Txitxopi, Txopi. Dialects: Copi, Ndonge, Lengue (Kilenge, Lenge), Tonga, Lambwe, Khambani. Many dialects; all mutually inherently intelligible. Lexical similarity: 44% with Gitonga [toh] . Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, S, Copi (S.61). Comments: Distinct from Chopi (Dhopaluo), a dialect of Acholi [ach] of Uganda. More Information Chuwabu [chw] Zambezia province: central coast between Quelimane and Mlanje mountains. 664,000 (2014 J. Leclerc). Status: 5 (Developing).

Alternate Names: Chichwabo, Chuabo, Chuwabo, Chwabo, Cicuabo, Cuabo, Cuwabo, Echuabo, Echuwabo, Txuwabo. Dialects: Central Chuwabo, Nyaringa, Marale, Karungu, Maindo. Lexical similarity: 78% between Chuwabo of Makusi district and Marrare. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, P, Makhuwa (P.34). Comments: Traditional religion, Christian, Muslim. More Information Dema [dmx] Tete province: near Cahora Bassa dam, north of Zimbabwe. 5,000 (2000 J. and M. Bister). Population displaced during Cabora Bassa Dam construction. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, S, Shona (S.10).

More Information Kokola [kzn] Zambezia province: west to Lolo [llb] language area. 80,000 in Mozambique (2006 J. Leclerc). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, P, Makhuwa (P.31). More Information Koti [eko] Nampula province: Angoche district, Angoche island coast area; Nampula city enclave. 77,000 (2006). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Angoche, Angoje, Angoxe, Coti, Ekoti. Dialects: Ekoti, Enatthembo (“Edheidhei” (pej.), Esakaji, Esangaje, Esangaji, “Etteittei” (pej.), Sangaje). A separate language within the Makhuwa group.

Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, P, Makhuwa (P.311). Comments: Muslim. More Information Kunda [kdn] Tete province: confluence area, Luangwe and Zambezi rivers. 5,500 in Mozambique (2006). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Chicunda, Chikunda, Cikunda. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, N, Senga-Sena (N.42). Comments: Different from Kunda, a dialect of Nyanja [nya] , and Kunda dialect of Lusengo [lse] in Democratic Republic of the Congo. Traditional religion, Christian. More Information Lolo [llb] Zambezia province. 162,000 (2006). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Ilolo.

Dialects: May be a dialect of Lomwe [ngl] or Makhuwa [vmw] . Reportedly similar to Takwane [tke] . Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, P, Makhuwa (P.31). More Information Lomwe [ngl] Zambezia province; Niassa and Nampula provinces: Alto Molocue. 1,660,000 (2014 J. Leclerc). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Acilowe, Alomwe, Chilowe, Cilowe, Elomwe, Ilomwe, Ingulu, Lomue, Mihavane, Mihavani, Mihawani, Ngulu, Nguru, Walomwe, West Makhuwa, Western Makua. Dialects: None known. Reportedly most similar to Makhuwa [vmw] and Chuwabu [chw] .

Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, P, Makhuwa (P.32). Comments: Different from Ngulu (Kingulu) of Tanzania. Traditional religion, Christian, Muslim. More Information Maindo [cwb] Zambezia province: Micaune, northeast of Chinde, Zambezi river mouth. 21,000 (2006). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Chwambo. Dialects: Mitange, Badoni. Lexical similarity: 84% with Chuwabu [chw] . Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, P, Makhuwa (P.34). Comments: Traditional religion, Christian, Muslim. More Information Makhuwa [vmw] Nampula province: south of Meetto area; border areas in Niassa, Cabo Delgado, and Zambezia provinces. 3,220,000 (2014 J.

Leclerc). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Central Makhuwa, Emakhuwa, Emakua, Macua, Makhuwa-Makhuwana, Makhuwwa of Nampula, Makoane, Makua, Maquoua. Dialects: Emwaja, Enaharra (Emathipane, Maharra, Nahara, Naharra), Enyara, Central Makua (Emakhuwana, Makhuwana, Makuana), Empamela (Nampamela), Enlai (Mulai). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, P, Makhuwa (P.31). Comments: Traditional religion, Christian, Muslim. More Information Makhuwa-Marrevone [xmc] Nampula province: inland from Moma and Angoche; Zambezia province: Nova Nabori inland to Amela. 300,000 (2014 J. Leclerc). Status: 6a (Vigorous).

Alternate Names: Coastal Makhuwa, Emaka, Maca, Maka, Makua-Marevone, Marevone, Marrevone, South Maca. Dialects: Makhuwana (Emakhuwana), Naharra (Enaharra), Enlai, Nampamela (Empamela). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, P, Makhuwa (P.31). Comments: Traditional religion, Christian, Muslim. More Information Makhuwa-Meetto [mgh] Cabo Delgado and Niassa provinces: Pemba coast inland; Nampula province: coast north of Nacala. 800,000 in Mozambique (2014 J. Leclerc). Total users in all countries: 1,318,000. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Emeto, Imeetto, Medo, Meetto, Meto, Mêto, Metto.

Dialects: Lexical similarity: 81%–88% with Makhuwa-Saka [xsq] , 78%–82% with the Nahara dialect of Makhuwa-Marrevone [xmc] , 78%–80% with Makhuwa [vmw] , 66%–68% with Lomwe [ngl] . Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, P, Makhuwa (P.31). Comments: Traditional religion, Muslim. More Information Makhuwa-Moniga [mhm] Zambezia province: Indian Ocean coast, inland past Mocubela. 200,000 (2003 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Emakhuwa-Emoniga, Emoniga, Moniga. Dialects: None known. Lexical similarity: 56% with Lomwe [ngl] .

Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, P, Makhuwa (P.341). Comments: Traditional religion, Christian, Muslim. More Information Makhuwa-Saka [xsq] Cabo Delgado and Nampula provinces: border area, Lurio river. 212,000 (2006). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Esaaka, Esaka, Isaanga, Ishanga, Saaka, Saanga, Saka, Sanga. Dialects: Saka (Esaaka), Rati (Erati). Lexical similarity: 81%–88% with Makhuwa-Meetto [mgh] , 78%–80% with Makhuwa [vmw] . Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, P, Makhuwa (P.31). Comments: Traditional religion, Christian, Muslim.

More Information Makhuwa-Shirima [vmk] Niassa province; Zambezia province: northwest border; Nampula province, west. 500,000 (2014 J. Leclerc). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Chirima, Eshirima, Makhuwa-Exirima, Makhuwa-Niassa, Makhuwa-Xirima, Shirima, West Makua, Xirima. Dialects: None known. Probably not intelligible of Makhuwa-Meetto [mgh] or Lomwe [ngl] . Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, P, Makhuwa (P.31). More Information Makonde [kde] Cabo Delgado province: Maviha dialect: Mueda. 360,000 in Mozambique (2014 J. Leclerc). Status: 5 (Developing).

Alternate Names: Chimakonde, Chinimakonde, Cimakonde, Konde, Maconde, Makonda, Matambwe, Shimakonde. Dialects: Vadonde (Donde, Ndonde), Vamwalu (Mwalu), Vamwambe (Mwambe), Vamakonde (Makonde), Maviha (Chimaviha, Kimawiha, Mabiha, Mavia, Mawia, Mawiha). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, P, Yao (P.23). Comments: Reserved toward outsiders. Muslim, Christian, traditional religion. More Information Makwe [ymk] Cabo Delgado province: coast, Tanzania border south to Quionga, Palma, south of Olumbe; on Ruvuma river to Pundanhar. 22,000 in Mozambique (2003). Total users in all countries: 32,000. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Kimakwe, Macue, Palma.

Dialects: Coastal Makwe (Palma), Interior Makwe. Not inherently intelligible with Swahili [swh] . Lexical similarity: 60% with Swahili [swh] , 57% with Mwani [wmw] , 48% with Yao [yao] . Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, G, Swahili (G.402). Comments: Muslim. More Information Manyawa [mny] Zambezia province: Lugela district. 150,000 (2014 J. Leclerc). 85% monolingual in Lugela District. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Dialects: None known. Lexical similarity: 69% with Takwane [tke] . Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, P, Makhuwa (P.31).

More Information Manyika [mxc] Manica province: north of Ndau, west of Tewe; Tete province: southwest. 100,000 in Mozambique (2014 J. Leclerc). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Chimanyika, Manika. Dialects: Bocha (Boka), Bunji, Bvumba, Domba, Guta, Here, Hungwe, Jindwi, Karombe, Nyamuka, Nyatwe, Unyama. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, S, Shona (S.13). Comments: Traditional religion, Christian. More Information Marenje [vmr] Zambezia province. 403,000 (2014 J. Leclerc). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Emarendje, Marendje. Dialects: None known. Related to Lolo [llb] and Kokola [kzn] .

Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, P, Makhuwa (P.31). More Information Mozambican Sign Language [mzy] Scattered. In at least 3 largest cities: Maputo, Beira, and Nampula. Status: 5 (Developing). Dialects: Some dialectal variation. Standardization efforts are in progress (1999). Not related to or based on Portuguese [por] nor Portuguese Sign Language [psr] . Classification: Sign language. More Information Mwani [wmw] Cabo Delgado provinc: coast north of Pemba, Arimba to Palma, Ibo and Mocimboa da Praia; offshore Querimba archipelago. 100,000 (2014 J. Leclerc). L2 users: 20,000. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Ibo, Kimwani, Muane, Mwane, Mwaní, Namwaní, Quimuane.

Dialects: Wibo (Kiwibo), Kisanga (Kikisanga, Quissanga), Nkojo (Kinkojo), Nsimbwa (Kinsimbwa). Not intelligible of Swahili [swh] . Kiwibo is prestige dialect. Kinsimbwa, the northernmost Mocimboa da Praia dialect, is inherently intelligible with others, even though it is the most distinct. Lexical similarity: 60% with Swahili [swh] , 48% with Yao [yao] . Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, G, Swahili (G.403). Comments: Muslim. More Information Nathembo [nte] Nampula province: north of Angohe, Sangange Peninsula, Zubairi, Charamatane, Amisse, Mutembua, Namaeca, Namaponda, to Mogincual and Khibulani. 25,000 (2006). Status: 6a (Vigorous).

Alternate Names: Esakaji, Sakaji, Sakati, Sanagage, Sangaji, Sankaji, Theithei. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, P, Makhuwa (P.312). Comments: Similar to Makhuwa [vmw] and Swahili [swh] . Sakaji is a place name. More Information Ndau [ndc] Sofala and Manica provinces: south of Beira; Inhambane and Gaza provinces. 500,000 in Mozambique (2014 J. Leclerc). Total users in all countries: 1,300,000. Status: 5 (Dispersed). Alternate Names: Chindau, Ndzawu, Njao, Sofala, Southeast Shona.

Dialects: Ndau (Cindau), Shanga (Changa, Chichanga, Chisenji, Chixanga, Cimashanga, Mashanga, Senji, Xanga), Danda (Cidanda, Cindanda, Ndanda, Vadanda, Watande), Dondo (Chibabava, Cidondo, Wadondo), Gova (Cigova). Divergent from Union Shona [sna] . Danda and Ndanda may be the same language. Ndau (Gova) [sna] in Mozambique is more similar to Ndau, but in Zambia and Zimbabwe, Ndau is more similar to the Korekore dialect of Shona. Lexical similarity: 92% between Danda and Dondo dialects, 85% between Dondo and Shanga dialects; 74%–81% between Ndau dialects and Manyika [mxc] . Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, S, Shona (S.15).

Comments: Other geographical or ethnic names: Dzika, Hijo, Buzi (Buji), Tomboji, and Mukwilo. Traditional religion, Christian. More Information Ngoni [ngo] Central Cabo Delgado province; Niassa province: Macuaida area; Tete province. 53,000 in Mozambique (2006). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Angoni, Chingoni, Cingoni, Kingoni, Kisutu, Sutu. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, N, Manda (N.12). Comments: Non-indigenous. Formerly spoke Zulu [zul] . The Ngoni people in Malawi do not speak Ngoni but Nyanja [nya] as L1. Muslim. More Information Nsenga [nse] Tete province: north of Zambezi river. 141,000 in Mozambique (2014 J. Leclerc). Status: 5 (Developing).

Alternate Names: Chinsenga, Cinsenga, Senga. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, N, Senga-Sena (N.41). Comments: Different from Senga dialect of Tumbuka [tum] of Zambia, Malawi, and Tanzania. Traditional religion, Christian. More Information Nyanja [nya] Niassa, Zambezia, and Tete provinces. Chewa dialect: Macanga district, Tete; Ngoni dialect: Niassa province, Sanga and Lago; Angoni dialect: Tete; Nyanja dialect: Niassa and Tete, along Lake Niassa. 599,000 in Mozambique (2006). Status: 5 (Dispersed). Alternate Names: Chinyanja. Dialects: Chewa (Cewa, Chichewa, Cicewa), Ngoni (Cingoni), Nyanja (Cinyanja), Angoni, Nyasa (Nyasa-Cewa).

Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, N, Chewa-Nyanja (N.31). Comments: Ngoni people in Angonia District of Tete Province in western Mozambique have shifted to Nyanja. Traditional religion, Christian. More Information Nyungwe [nyu] Tete province: Zambezi river banks north of Sena [seh] language area; Manica province: east bank, Luenha river, east from Changara. 262,000 (2014 J. Leclerc). Status: 3 (Wider communication). Alternate Names: Chinyungwe, Chinyungwi, Cinyungwe, Nyongwe, Teta, Tete, Yungwe. Dialects: None known. Reportedly similar to Sena [seh] . Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, N, Senga-Sena (N.43).

More Information Phimbi [phm] Tete province: Zambezi river banks northwest of Tete city. 6000 Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Pimbi. Dialects: None known. Reportedly similar to Sena [seh] . Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, N, Senga-Sena (N.41). More Information Portuguese [por] 1,580,000 in Mozambique (2014 J. Leclerc). L2 users: 6,300,000 in Mozambique. Status: 1 (National). Statutory national language (2004, Constitution, Article 10). Classification: Indo-European, Italic, Romance, Italo-Western, Western, Gallo-Iberian, Ibero-Romance, West Iberian, Portuguese-Galician. Comments: Non-indigenous. More Information Ronga [rng] Maputo, Cidade de, and surrounding Maputo Province.

423,000 in Mozambique (2014 J. Leclerc). Total users in all countries: 424,000. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Gironga, Rhonga, Shironga, Xironga. Dialects: Konde, Putru, Kalanga. Partially intelligible with Tsonga [tso] and Tswa [tsc] . Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, S, Tswa-Rhonga (S.54). More Information Sena [seh] Sofala, Manica, Tete, and Zambezia provinces: lower Zambezi river region. 1,390,000 (2014 J. Leclerc). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Chisena, Cisena.

Dialects: Caia (Care, North Sena, Sare), Bangwe (South Sena), Gombe, Sangwe, Podzo (Chipodzo, Cipodzo, Phodzo, Puthsu, Shiputhsu), Gorongosa. Reportedly similar to Nyungwe [nyu] , Nyanja [nya] , Phimbi [phm] , and Kunda [kdn] of Zambia. Sena Central is the prestige dialect. Lexical similarity: 92% between the Podzo and Sena-Sare dialects. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, N, Senga-Sena (N.44). Comments: Traditional religion, Christian. More Information Swahili [swh] Cabo Delgado province. 10,000 in Mozambique (2006). Status: 5 (Dispersed). Alternate Names: Bajun.

Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, G, Swahili (G.42). Comments: Non-indigenous. More Information Swati [ssw] Maputo province: border area west of capital. 1,200 in Mozambique (2006). Status: 5 (Dispersed). Alternate Names: Siswati, Siswazi, Swazi, Tekela, Tekeza. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, S, Nguni (S.43). More Information Takwane [tke] Zambezia province. 181,000 (2006). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Thakwani. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, P, Makhuwa (P.31).

More Information Tawara [twl] Tete province: south, north of Zimbabwe. 60,000 (2006). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Tavara, Tawala. Dialects: Tawara-Chioco, Tawara-Daque. Northernmost variety is related to the Korekore dialect of Shone [sna] ; appears to have been influenced by Nyungwe [nyu] . Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, S, Shona (S.11). More Information Tewe [twx] Manica and Sofala provinces: Chimoio city northeast, north bank, Pungoe river. 250,000 (2014 J. Leclerc). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Chiute, Ciute, Teve, Utee, Vateve, Wateve. Dialects: Considered by many a Manyika [mxc] dialect.

Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, S, Shona (S.13). More Information Tonga [toh] Inhambane province: up to Morrumbane. 224,000 (2014 J. Leclerc). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Bitonga, Gitonga, Inhambane, Shengwe, Tonga-Inhambane. Dialects: Gitonga Gy Khogani, Nyambe (Cinyambe), Sewi (Gisewi). Lexical similarity: 44% with Chopi [cce] . Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, S, Copi (S.62). Comments: Different from Tonga [tog] of Malawi and Tonga [toi] of Zambia and Zimbabwe. More Information Tsonga [tso] Maputo province: Cidade de Maputo, and north; Gaza province; western Inhambane province.

2,780,000 in Mozambique (2014 J. Leclerc). Status: 5 (Dispersed). Alternate Names: Gwamba, Shitsonga, Thonga, Tonga, Xitsonga. Dialects: Bila (Vila), Changana (Changa, Hanganu, Hlanganu, Langanu, Shangaan, Shangana, Shilanganu, Xichangana), Jonga (Djonga, Dzonga), Ngwalungu (Shingwalungu). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, S, Tswa-Rhonga (S.53). Comments: Christian, traditional religion. More Information Tswa [tsc] Inhambane province: south of Save river; Gaza province: border area. 695,000 in Mozambique (2014 J. Leclerc). Total users in all countries: 715,000. Status: 5 (Developing).

Alternate Names: Kitshwa, Sheetshwa, Shitshwa, Tshwa, Xitshwa, Xitswa. Dialects: Hlengwe (Khambana-Makwakwe, Khambani, Lengwe, Lhengwe, Makwakwe-Khambana, Shilengwe), Tshwa (Dzibi-Dzonga, Dzivi, Dzonga-Dzibi, Xidzivi), Mandla, Ndxhonge, Nhayi. Partially intelligible of Ronga [rng] and Tsonga [tso] . Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, S, Tswa-Rhonga (S.51). More Information Yao [yao] Niassa province: south and east of Lake Malawi; Zambezia province: Gurue district, northwest border; Cabo DelgadopProvince: Ruvumu river near Negomano; western Nampula province. 195,000 in Mozambique (2014 J. Leclerc).

Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Achawa, Adsawa, Adsoa, Ajawa, Ayawa, Ayo, Chiyao, Ciyao, Djao, Haiao, Hiao, Hyao, Jao, Veiao, Wajao, Yawo. Dialects: Makale (Cimakale), Massaninga (Cimassaninga), Machinga, Mangochi, Tunduru Yao, Chikonono (Cikonono). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, P, Yao (P.21). Comments: Muslim, Christian. More Information Zulu [zul] Maputo province: borders Swaziland and South Africa. 3,000 in Mozambique (2006). Status: 5 (Dispersed). Alternate Names: Isizulu, Zunda. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, S, Nguni (S.42).

Question: What is the official language of Mozambique?
Answer: PORTUGUESE